Last week, Congressmen Tim Bishop and Steve Israel called on the House Republican leadership to extend unemployment insurance benefits. The two further demanded leadership hold a vote immediately upon the House returning to session in early January.

“It is absolutely unconscionable that the leadership in the House would allow is to adjourn for the holidays while leaving so many families in danger of not being able to keep a roof over their heads or put food on the table,” said Bishop in a press release issued Friday. “The time to deliberate about extending unemployment insurance benefits has long since passed. It is time for us to act, and act swiftly to ensure that Long Island families are protected.”

“As our economy continues to recover from the worst economic downtown since the Great Depression, it’s crucial that we provide those New Yorkers who lost jobs through no fault of their own with the vital relief they deserve as they look for new employment,” said Israel. “It is unconscionable that 1.3 million people around the country are out in the cold especially during the holidays. That is why I’m standing with Rep. Bishop today to call on Congress to immediately extend Federal Unemployment Insurance.”

Without an extension, 1.3 million Americans could lose access to unemployment insurance benefits on December 28. An additional 3.5 million could lose coverage in 2014.